Wanganui River canoe safaris a unique experience

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 15, 9 September 1986, Page 17

Wanganui River canoe safaris a unique experience

Ohakune - where adventures really begin. A company that is helping the area live up to its reputation is Canoe Safaris, an Ohakune-based firm that has recently changed hands and is now run by partners Simon Dixon and Warren and Judy McNeil. Canoe Safaris was previously managed by Mr Michael O'Donnell, a canoe manufacturer from Palmerston North. He has since sold up, but still makes canoes for the firm, in the new "tupperware look." Canoe Safaris have recently done away with all their old fibreglass craft and have purchased a new fleet of plastic canoes, made from the same material as 'the well-known kit'chen bowls. Canoe Safari's manager, Simon Dixon, said that the tupperware canoes are ideal for beginners as they "give" a little when they strike rocks and tend to dent rather than break. Canoe Safaris offer tourists two five-day trips along the Wanganui River per week, over the peak periods of the summer from early December to late March. Trips begin at Whakahoro near Owhango, and finish at Pipiriki, taking in all of the sights in between. Included is a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, past World War One settlements, then through the "wilderness section" of the river to Pipiriki. Two experienced guides accompany each trip, which Simon says is "truly remarkables "All the passengers have to take with them are their changes of clothes — tents, equipment and food we supply."

Past travellers with Canoe Safaries have been known to rave about the rations taken on each trip. Trekkers experience the delights of chicken, roast pork chops, beef and lamb roasts, all cooked on a sizzling outdoor barbeque — a taste some say is beyond compare. Mr Dixon is an experienced canoeist and has been leading tours of the Wanganui River for the last three seasons. He has been involved with white water rafting in Tauranga, and has been canoeing for eight years.